Clemson winter graduation

Jim Barker, president of Clemson University, thanked many during a speech toward the end of the winter graduation in Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson.

Clemson University's Brianna Zannavia Rollins, left, is the last graduate to shake the hand of President Jim Barker during graduation in Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson.

Anderson Independent Mail, S.C.

Clemson University President Jim Barker during closing moments of graduation in Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson. Barker returns to teaching while Jim Clements becomes president on January 1.

Jena Cox of Pelzer wipes her eye while fellow gradutes clap for outgoing president JIm Barker during graduation in Littlejohn Coliseum.

Jason Ellis, left, of Anderson passes by John Moyer and Tanner Dalton before graduation in Littlejohn Coliseum.

Morgan Tolley, middle, of Columbia walks into the shadows of the Littlejohn Coliseum tunnel before graduation.

Morgan Tolley, middle, of Columbia walks into Littlejohn Coliseum with a decorated cap before graduation.

Gabrielle Gunter, graduating with a food science degree, decorated her cap with a cheese block made of foam, before the ceremony in Littlejohn Coliseum. Gunter said she accepted a job in California, working at a cheese factory.

Austin Layden of Columbia, with an injured hand in a cast, gives president Jim Barker a fist bump when collecting his diploma in Littlejohn Coliseum.

Jim Barker, left, president of Clemson University, shakes hands with Les Tindal at the end of graduation in Littlejohn Coliseum.

Rebecca Johnson, a Chinese and international health degree recipient, looks at her phone before graduation.

Jim Barker, middle, walks out of Littlejohn Coliseum after the last graduation while he serves as president at Clemson University.

Jim Barker, middle, walks out of Littlejohn Coliseum after the last graduation while he serves as president at Clemson University.